January 17, 2006

Nats Ink Schneider To 4 Year, $16 mil Deal

"It's the only organization I've been with...It's a great opportunity for baseball in D.C. I'd love to be a part of that. I've been here since Day 1, and I'd like to be here as long as possible." (Brian Schneider via CBS SportsLine.com 1/17/2006)

At least his shoulder is ok; Schneider had an MRI on Monday, and doctors gave him a clean bill of health: "The doctors gave us the go-ahead to sign the player...They understood that it was a four-year deal with significant money. We wanted clearance and to make sure there wasn't a health risk. I would not have done the deal if the doctors didn't clear it." (Jim Bowden via MLB.com 1/17/2006)

Deal breaks down like this: Schneider gets $2.7 million in 2006, $3.5 million in 2007 and $4.9 million in 2008 and 2009.

While this certainly isn't a bad deal for the Nationals, it's a little surprising that Bowden got the green light from MLB to lock up Schneider -- a so-so hitter, but a solid (some would say very very good) defensive catcher -- for four years.